Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC) Student Assistant (Specialist)

POSITION TITLE

Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC) Student Assistant (Specialist)

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Parsons’ School of Fashion (SoF) leads the industry into a future where access, equity and sustainability are the standard. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design, Associate Degrees in Fashion Design as well as in Fashion Marketing and Communication, a Master of Fine Arts in Textiles, a Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, and a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society. Our students, faculty, and staff are committed to supporting Indigenous resurgence; honoring the beauty of all bodies; and living in harmony with animals and the earth in ways that advance climate justice.

• The School of Art and Design History and Theory (ADHT) engages students at all degree levels in the analysis of art and design as essential to the formation of knowledge and culture. ADHT offers the first-year undergraduate curriculum to all Parsons students as well as a new BFA program, Design History and Practice. Graduate programs from ADHT include the MA Fashion Studies and the MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies programs.

These two part-time positions and associated work is in relation to the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC). The collection of approximately 4,000 items extends from the late 19th century to the latter half of the 20th century including noted designers: Sophie Gimbel, Claire McCardell, Donald Brooks, Norman Norell, Geoffrey Beene, Giorgio di Sant'angelo and Yves Saint Laurent.

The ideal candidates will demonstrate a commitment to curatorial work, handling archival fashion items, collection management and administrative tasks associated with the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC), including preparing /facilitating class visits from courses within ADHT and SoF. 

The candidates will report directly to the Associate Dean in the School of Fashion.

The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are committed to our mission and who seek to work collaboratively with all members of our community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary job duties and responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with faculty for Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC)  visits

  • Selecting garments based on requests in preparation for class visits

  • Facilitating class visits to the collection, schedule-permitting

  • Returning garments to the collection at the conclusion of class visits

• Cataloging/Image management:

  • Reconciling images of archived garments with the existing database

  • Documentation of remaining images of the collection via photography 

  • Uploading images to collection management system Past Perfect   

• Curating onsite exhibits in the School of Fashion Hub as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Provide a bulleted list of the minimum qualifications that are necessary for someone to be considered for the position. All qualifications must comply with applicable state and Federal legislation. Acceptable qualifications include:

• Enrolled in one of the following undergraduate /graduate programs: 

  • BFA Fashion Design, AAS Fashion Design, MA Fashion Studies, MFA Fashion Design and Society, MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with collections and/or archives 

• <